Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and a city board responsible for hearing public grievances Thursday will address the controversy created by a confrontation between an off-duty Los Angeles police officer, who apparently fired his gun, and a group of teens that led to a demonstration by more than 200 people and the arrest of 23.

At least 100 police officers from multiple agencies, many in riot gear, descended on the neighborhood Wednesday night, forming a skirmish line that blocked off the intersection of Euclid and Palais Road.

Anaheim Police Department spokesman Sgt. Daron Wyatt said Thursday 18 adults and five minors were detained at the demonstration on misdemeanor charges of battery, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer.

Although he was not able to provide a list of cities that sent officers to the scene, officers were seen from Fullerton, Garden Grove and the Sheriff’s Department.

Cell phone video taken by a bystander Wednesday shows 13-year-old Christian Dorscht, who was identified by his parents to the OC Weekly, struggling to escape the grip of the officer, who was holding onto the boy’s arm and hoodie.

The demonstrations led Tait to call a news conference regarding the incident for 1 p.m. Thursday.

The city’s Public Safety Board, which is responsible for hearing public grievances and overseeing the city’s public safety policies, will meet Thursday evening at 7 p.m. The City Council will hear a report about the efficacy of the board at their meeting on Feb. 28.

Video of the confrontation between the off-duty officer and the teens has been widespread on social media and the focus of regional television news reports.

According to a statement released by the Anaheim Police Department, the dispute, which occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, occurred in front of the officer’s home, where there were “ongoing issues with juveniles walking across the officer’s property.”

In the video, which does not show the entire altercation, a number of teens following the scene urge the man to let go of Dorscht. When one teen tries to pull Dorscht free, another teen shoves the man over a hedge. During the ensuing struggle, the officer pulled a gun from his waistband and a shot is heard, although the video doesn’t clearly show him pulling the trigger.

According to the Orange County Register, Dorscht is facing charges of criminal threats and battery for allegedly threatening to shoot the officer, although his father told the Weekly that he threatened to “sue” not “shoot” the officer. The 15-year-old who tried to pull Dorscht free was charged with assault and battery.

The American Civil Liberties Union released a statement Wednesday evening calling the officer’s actions “grossly irresponsible” and calling on the LAPD to investigate the incident.

“[The ACLU] also calls on the Anaheim Police Department to provide a full explanation of why, in an altercation between the police officer and youths, the youths were arrested but not the officer who fired his gun,” the statement reads.

Television news reported the dispute began when the teens walked across the officer’s lawn after being repeatedly warned not to do it. On an early section of the video, Dorscht appears to be saying the confrontation was triggered by an insult the officer leveled at a girl.

By 7 p.m. Wednesday, dozens of people had gathered in the neighborhood, some with signs and others with their faces covered by masks and bandanas.

There was an outpouring of anger and frustration from the protesters, mostly teenagers, who chanted slogans like “don’t shoot the children” and “no justice, no peace, no racist police.”

At one point protesters gathered in front of the officer’s home, shouting “come out pig.”

The city has struggled to contain a climate of unrest and mistrust of the police since 2012, when hundreds of people protested in front of City Hall after a spate of police-involved shootings left two Latino men dead.

Many repeated the mantra of Black Lives Matter — “hands up, don’t shoot” — a national movement that emerged in response to police-involved shootings of minorities, mostly African American men.

A young woman at the protest who only would identify herself as Karla, said she was “very disappointed” over how the Anaheim Police Department handled the protest and questioned whether the show of force was necessary.

“I’m nauseous and very sad,” she said.

Although most of the protesters were peaceful, some reportedly threw rocks at police. “Fuck APD” was scratched onto a black car in the officer’s driveway and “Fuck Pigs” was painted in red on the garage door of a neighbor.

Between the outpouring of emotion, some sought to keep the crowd calm. A man speaking through a loud speaker urged the crowd to be calm and united.

“This is our community, these are our streets, y’all be proud of yourself tonight,” he said.

Around 9 p.m., he tried to disperse the crowd, and urged them to leave before the protest became a public nuisance.

“We made our point, now let’s roll out,” he said. “Everybody look out for each other tonight.”

Most of the protesters, however, stayed and congregated at the intersection of Euclid and Palais, holding signs and chanting as police continued to arrive at the scene. Some teens pushed on a bus on Euclid Street and hit it with skateboard.

Around 9:40 p.m., a helicopter circling above the scene gave dispersal orders: “If you can hear my voice, you’re not leaving, pretty good chance you’re going to jail.”

Crowds chanted “whose streets? Our streets!”

Just after 11 p.m., dozens of Anaheim police moved along Euclid Street, clearing what remained of the crowd.

Those who refused to leave would be subject to arrest, said police spokesman Wyatt.

Contact Thy Vo at tvo@voiceofoc.org or follow her on Twitter @thyanhvo. Spencer Custodio and Nick Gerda contributed to this story.

RELATED STORIES

The 13-year-old Anaheim resident involved in a physical struggle with off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer Kevin Ferguson in February has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Anaheim and LAPD.

Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana, Jr., joined a discussion on KCRW today. Santana and Kate Mather of the Los Angeles Times were guest speakers on a KCRW segment discussing the Anaheim incident between an off-duty police officer and teenagers in Anaheim.

Mayor Tom Tait and Chief Raul Quezada said they were “disturbed” by video footage of an altercation between an off duty cop and a group of teens, and pledged to do a “fair” and “impartial” investigation into the incident.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

The verbal threats of “C” word and “I am going to shoot you” are not on the tape and will have to be sorted out by the courts. It doesn’t negate my argument of just sitting and waiting for the police. We don’t know if the dragging did not ensue because of the kid’s struggling and the other kids attempts to free him. Again, waiting for the police to arrive would have been the best practice.

boyinthehood

off duty police officer realized that the situation was getting out of control and in order to take control of the situation he fired a warning shot. Anaheim is not the best place to live because there are just too many hispanics which results in low scores in academics and high machismo attitudes. Drive around anaheim, there are graffiti tags on the wall. Its a way for them to show off their territory. I would like to hear what christian dorscht stepfather (supposedly a police officer) has to say about this step son.

Philmore

Remember David Douglas and John Anderson ? I doubt it. Here’s a hint – July 19 2015, Lullaby Lane and Poona Drive (about a mile west of the current “outrage”). Both SHOT (NOT a warning) , Douglas KILLED in confronting STILL -unknown, STILL un-aprehended, STILL un-prosecuted taggers on their block. (So do you NEED to “carry” in that area ? ) Street protests ? Nope. Lawsuits ? Nope. Widespread community outrage at the loss ? Nope. Ignored and forgotten. Spare me your selective outrage.

No one should ever put their hands on someone else’s child, he should have been arrested for that to begin with and why on earth would he bring a gun in his waist band to deal with kids walking home from school. I saw one of the long videos, and the father of the home owner clearly says in his phone call to 911 that his son “accidentally discharged his weapon”. He’s lucky it didn’t hit anyone, but again regardless of what the kid said to the man, he is the adult, and should have NEVER put his hands on that boy to begin with, and once he did he should have been arrested if not for detaining the kid for discharging his weapon.

Leif Christian

At every stage the man escalated the situation. He first cursed out a girl taking a shortcut across his lawn, then roughed up the 13 year old kid who called him out for it, then pulled out his gun in what could easily have led to a kid being shot (even unintentionally through ricochet).

Yes some other kids pushed him when he was dragging their friend around, they wanted him to let the kid go. He was the aggressor, can’t believe all the racist authoritarians online trying to pin this on the kids. If anything they showed guts standing up to a guy who, for all they knew, could’ve been a complete pyschopath.

rejectrepublicanlies

Correct. And, discharging his firearm endangered civilians and escalated the entire confrontation. I believe the cop wanted it to end violently. He’s spoiling for blood.

Sam Hill

Aggravating as it might be to have kids walking through your yard, you DO NOT grab a kid and drag him anywhere. The adult is ENTIRELY at fault. He went out to confront a group of kids and let his pride and ego (and apparent inferiority complex) get the better of him; escalating he situation. I would look into attempted abduction charges on top of the other things.

LFOldTimer

Nothing will happen to the cop.

Come on. A OC Superior Court judge said that cops committed perjury and obstructed justice by withholding material evidence in his courtroom.

All of them still have their high-paying jobs. Not even charged. lol.

OC is the new TJ. We’re 3rd world.

rejectrepublicanlies

Move then, Old Timer. Plenty of Red States with nothing but old racists like you. You don’t like Hispanics, you’re in the wrong state.

LFOldTimer

Pull your head out and take a deep breath, reject. Your delusions might go away.

rejectrepublicanlies

Thank you.

LFOldTimer

These protesters love to criticize the cops. But none of them police the garbage within their own communities which have turned into literal war-zones.

When’s the last time you saw a big protest against gang bangers and other low-life criminals who have turned parts of Anaheim and Santa Ana into cesspools?

On the contrary, they march to protect criminal illegal foreign aliens and many even want to protect illegals who have been convicted of serious crimes over and above immigration offenses. ha.

Do you ever hear a public speaker at the Santa Ana council meetings complain that illegal foreigners are creating more blight and more overcrowding their neighborhoods or increasing crime in the city? ha. Of course not. They all protect their friends who break the laws – but condemn the cops whenever another cop scandal arises. Then they blame others for their problems. lol.

Look in the mirror folks. You are a reflection of your own communities. Your silence and refusal to speak the truth is the reason you live like prisoners in your barrios. Don’t blame others. Blame yourselves.

kburgoyne

Hyperbolic.

LFOldTimer

I replied to your comment. It was blocked (moderated) for no good reason. Nothing in the comment violated the guidelines.

Perhaps it contained too much truth.

LFOldTimer

Not at all.

We are responsible for our own communities. If our communities are being saturated with crime and undesirables who perpetrate crime it’s OUR job to work within the system to stop it. Otherwise, we are complicit.

When is the last time you saw a big protest against gangb*ngers in SA or Anaheim? On the contrary all I see are protests against enforcing immigration laws or court rulings that forbid certain public behaviors by those known to be gang members.

Have you ever witnessed a public speaker at a SA council meeting complain about illegal foreigners who contribute to crime and overcrowding and blight in the city? Have you?

Quite the opposite. All I see are protests in favor of protecting criminals. Look at SA’s new sanctuary city policy if you don’t believe me. There was a huge outcry for it’s approval. lol.

It’s convenient to label something as “hyperbolic” without a counterargument to define your position.

verifiedsane

The moderating software being used by discus & VOC is
hyper-sensitive to many commonly used words…this often makes it very frustrating
when writing a comment…

LFOldTimer

Yes,

I find it ironic that gangb*nger is a forbidden word.

As if we are offending the gangb*ngers by using it. Maybe we should apologize. lol.

But if they offend us – that’s permissible.

rejectrepublicanlies

You see any minority kid and think they’re gang bangers. Racist Old Timer.

LFOldTimer

Where exactly did I state all gangb*ngers are “minorities”, professor?

Put down the pipe.

rejectrepublicanlies

I’m more concerned about racist white dudes like you that voted for President Bone Spurs. Racist degenerates. Luckily, you’re old. Pretty soon those minorities are going to be changing your diapers and handing you your walker.

LFOldTimer

So anytime someone criticizes others for breaking into the country, stealing jobs, committing crimes, stealing identities – that makes them a racist??? heh.

If I criticize Swedish illegal invaders – does that make me a racist too? ha.

Fools like you have taken all the sting out of the r-word. You’ve diluted it down into meaninglessness. Congratulations!

rejectrepublicanlies

Go ahead an use it, Old Timer. You’re a racist. And if you called any of my friends that word, I’d stomp you and knock out your dentures.

LFOldTimer

No you wouldn’t boy. Trust me, you wouldn’t.

You’re implying there are no Caucasian gangb*ngers. That alone is a racist statement. Stop calling the kettle black, fool.

Why would someone protest against criminals when we already have a system designed to stop them? People protest abusers like this guy because he is treated as above the law.

LFOldTimer

Because the system doesn’t get involved until the people start complaining. If I lived in a war zone I’d be at every city council meeting reading the riot act until somebody cleaned up my neighborhood.

Silence is complicity, Leif.

rejectrepublicanlies

Yeah, Anaheim is a real war zone. Snowflake. LOL

rejectrepublicanlies

You sound like the next vigilante shooter, old timer. I hope you’re under surveillance. You sound like you’re dying to kill someone.

LFOldTimer

You call me a snowflake. You’re just a plain ‘ol flake w/o the snow.

rejectrepublicanlies

Enjoy your participation trophy. That’s on the house. George Soros and Saul Alinsky said hello. I”m having a drink with Vince Foster later. LOL. You folks are so simple and predictable. Bye, Felicia.

verifiedsane

Just another unhinged liberal fruitcake spouting off more hilarious lunacy…your demonstrated pure ignorance is becoming quite entertaining, and a nice living example of the so called tolerant socialist left.

Don’t project on me. You’re the party of pedophiles (Dennis Hastert, Milo), adulterers and perverts. We are not tolerant of racists, homophobes, misogynists, bigots and violent, unstable killers. Go find yourself a juice box and a safe place, Snowflake. As for socialism, you’re too stupid to know what that word means.

rejectrepublicanlies

Get out of California. Move to Alabama, Kentucky, West Virginia, etc. You’re a reflection of racism, bigotry, ignorance, machismo, nationalism and fascism.

LFOldTimer

The zoo is open tomorrow, reject. Go visit the animals at the petting zoo. The quack-quacks await you.

rejectrepublicanlies

I love the zoo and you love fellating farm animals.

Becks Torres

He’s entitled to his opinion as you are. Resorting to name calling speaks volumes of you. Not everyone who doesn’t agree with you is a racist. What if someone told you to move to Mexico or called you a liberal socialist? Pretty ignorant, right? As adults we should be able to respectfully agree to disagree. Anyway, we won’t accomplish anything here so I’ll move on.

rejectrepublicanlies

I didn’t ask for your input, fluffer.

verifiedsane

That’s Okay, this is what happens when uncle Soros withholds hugs and tissue as a motivation and encouragement tool for his comrade minions to push more global socialist propaganda. The Lefts hypocrisy has almost been elevated to performance art these days… 🙂

rejectrepublicanlies

Yeah, I work for Soros and you work for Putin and the KKK. Your posts really have nothing to do with this incident. This is merely a forum for you to regurgitate your tired Fox, Breitbart and Infowars slogans, talking points and propaganda. You are spoiling for a confrontation with a minority. It’s funny when you keep knee jerking on BLM, when the kid’s HISPANIC. You’re a moron. I hope you’re being watched. You seem like the next racist, angry mass shooter, just like your little friend in Kansas that shot two Indian men because he thought there were Muslims. That’s your legacy. That’s what your about. Now, go end it. Take yourself out.

The everipepedia bias report appears to miss the part where another youth throws a punch at Mr. Ferguson (who had previously identified himself as police officer) before he was pushed over the bush by a third youth and to the ground….it was only after this provocation did the off duty officer brandish a weapon and fire a warning shot directed away from the gathering hostile crowd.

I am no fan of police brutality, the blue code of silence, or government corruption; but to make this incident more than what it is, equates to an effort in futility and is beyond ridiculous. It would be nice if parents actually took some ownership/responsibility for their teens behaviors and actions, instead of crying abuse and racism every-time these little unruly thugs show little or no respect for others, while going about the business of terrorizing their neighborhoods.

LFOldTimer

I understand your position, verified. And you make some good points.

But a cop is never supposed to fire a “warning shot”.

The only cop that did that was Broderick Crawford on the old Highway Patrol TV series.

Maybe Barney Fife on Andy of Mayberry too. 🙂

rejectrepublicanlies

The youth? Exactly. A little kid throws a weak little punch because a skinhead ADULT is threatening him and assaulting him. How would anyone know he’s a cop? Just looks like a racist skinhead to me.

Lars

What makes you think he was racist?

LFOldTimer

I empathize with the off-duty cop. I suspect this wasn’t a single incident. It was probably a situation that evolved over time. A bad neighborhood. Nobody likes kids trespassing on their properties or disrespecting the property owners – verbally or otherwise. Over time it escalated and the cop lost it.

Now, had a non-police officer without connections to the authorities done this he would have gone to jail. Without a doubt. So the cop was given a huge pass here. Again, this show us that there are two sets of laws in our society. One for us and one for the club members. That’s absolutely wrong in a nation that claims to treat everyone equally under the law. Total BS.

Poor judgment on part of the cop. He should have kept his hands off the kid and snapped a photo of him and turned it over to the Anaheim police. It would be easy to identify and locate the kid through the school system. Holding the kid against his will with a dozen or more of his friends there created an unnecessary hostile situation. Remember, the cop was off-duty and not in uniform. The cop should have known better.

Manhandling the kid was one thing. Publicly discharging his firearm in the process was over-the-top. I empathize with the cop. But he handled the situation with extremely poor judgement. And we expect more from police officers. And he needs to be treated like any other citizen would be treated under the same circumstances.

kburgoyne

You have my respect for posting a fairly balanced comment. I generally agree with your views. Often these situations result from extremism on both sides. The persons attempting to keep the protests peaceful and to disperse at a reasonable hour are to be commended for trying to do the right thing as well.

More clarity is required regarding “ongoing issues with juveniles walking across the officer’s property.” To what extend did the officer attempt to peacefully request the individuals to stop walking across his property? Perhaps he did make numerous reasonable requests, and perhaps he didn’t. We don’t know at this point.

About the only thing reasonable to conclude without more information is the officer discharging his firearm in a crowded community setting under these circumstances certainly seems like a huge emotionally driven overreaction. If the kids were so unwilling to be “arrested” (have their movement obstructed) by the out of uniform officer even if the kids were “in the wrong”, the “peaceful” solution was certainly to record the identify of the individuals and have the local police deal with them in a more controlled manner. If these kids were persistently trespassing, then finding them wasn’t going to be a big deal.

Let’s face it, if an LAPD officer living in Anaheim asks the APD to assist him with dealing with kids trespassing on his property, the APD is going to deal with it as quickly as if the individual was a wealthy donor to a police fund.

Kim Riddell

And the guy dragged him through someone else’s yard, the same offense he was mad about! Smh

rejectrepublicanlies

He did that to justify shooting him. Unfortunately, there were too many cell cams rolling.

rejectrepublicanlies

Of course you do. Don’t complain when there’s a race riot in Anaheim. I’ve had kids cut through my property before. I didn’t pull a gun on them or assault them. What a pu**y cop. He also pulled the kid onto his property and we all know why he did that. That goes to his intent. That kid is lucky to be alive. If the cop had shot him, you’d see Rodney King times 10.

LFOldTimer

Kids walk through barnyards?

rejectrepublicanlies

I suppose they do, but I don’t own a farm currently.

LFOldTimer

You don’t have to own a farm to live on one. 🙂

rejectrepublicanlies

I have no desire to live on one again. Not important.

verifiedsane

More BLM hyperbole…..race riots, really….now that’s a rational response….as I have stated in other comments…the liberal far left was going to make this about race, and stoke the flames of civil insurrection…no surprises here…same old game of political thrones…next! they’ll blame president Trump! Same book, different cover..

Nikki J. Perez

ridiculous^

rejectrepublicanlies

Every time you bring up BLM, it just tells me that you’re a racist with a small piece of stick.

rejectrepublicanlies

Why would ICE be coming for me? My family has been here for many years and fought and died for this country. What have you done, racist?

rejectrepublicanlies

You hate BLM because you’re a Right Wing racist. Why would ICE be coming for me, Insane? My family and I have lived here and died for this country for nearly a century. What’s your claim to fame keyboard warrior? Oh, and now you mentioned it, go fluff Putin and his little puppet, President Bone Spurs, the draft-dodging coward.

rejectrepublicanlies

What would you know, racist, Putin-fluffing skinhead? Don’t use big concepts and words that you don’t understand. Why would I be worried about ICE, I’m white like you, but I’m not an ass*ole, that’s your gig, snowflake. I hate racists and I hate pretend tough guys like you. Go buff Putin’s pickle.

Lars

Im just gonna ask it, are you african american?

Kim Riddell

And he clearly had the KID’S backpack while he was dragging him through a neighbor’s yard, the same thing He got mad at the KID for.

rejectrepublicanlies

Yeah, that’s the problem. I guarantee you this cop has had excessive force complaints galore. Angry guys like Old Timer are always looking for a confrontation with a minority, a little kid or woman. He’s an old racist and police apologist. He’s probably a dirty cop himself.

The Los Angeles Police Department Monday identified the off-duty officer involved in an altercation with a group of teenagers in Anaheim as Kevin J. Ferguson, who is back at work but not out in the field.

The department released Ferguson’s name through an update to a press release. A spokesman said in a telephone interview Tuesday the officer also returned to work Monday, but not in the field. He had been on administrative leave following the Feb. 21 confrontation. A department investigation of his role in the clash is underway.

Video of part of the physical struggle between Ferguson and 13-year-old Christian Dorscht quickly went viral, igniting outrage and drawing nearly 300 people to the streets in protests.

Lars

God youre an idiot! Id like you to answer a question for me, why are you so anti-police and deadset on the fact hes a racist? Are you from compton? That kid isnt exactly a “kid” either. I work with kids that age and they can be just as dangerous as an adult, more so even because of their immaturity. He wasnt manhandling some poor defensless child.

David Zenger

Another completely unnecessary escalation. This cop is lucky indeed that he didn’t plunk that kid or one of the others.

This cop has the same right as any other citizen to protect themselves and property….watch the video…the private citizen officer was assaulted on his own property before he pulled his firearm and discharged it as a warning signal. In my estimation, this officer showed great restraint considering the circumstances.

David Zenger

Hilarious! What video were you watching?

The really scary part is that “cop” actually can put on a uniform and fire his gun at people with impunity.

verifiedsane

Now there’s a nice stretch into absurdity….here we go….”B lives matter” or the making of another poor excuse for the thugs to riot….I watched the same video posted in the article..of course, this video only shows part of the confrontation correct….now it becomes all about rumor, innuendo, and bias….you appear to jump upon grossly inaccurate conclusions based on only knowing part of the actual situation. There is little doubt citizens have a right to protect their property (as do off duty police officers) and to also hold a criminal suspect until on-duty police arrive…This off-duty officer was certainly not beating this suspect…he was just containing/controlling him…Maybe you should place yourself in a similar situation where you are protecting your own property while being surrounded by many hostile youth who as the video shows; eventually physically assault you………

Could this situation been handled better by all parties…..sure it could have…but then hide-sight is always 20/20…from the appearance of gang graffiti displayed upon some of the trash cans in this neighborhood, they have far bigger fish to fry….but then MSM has now made this all about B lives, hands up, don’t shoot, police abuse, unruly protest, and race baiting…It’s no surprise the ACLU is sticking their noses into this…I would only ponder a guess that the next political move is to jump over the cliff, and make it about race and the deportation of criminal illegal aliens…

rejectrepublicanlies

Yes, Black Lives matter, just as much as old racist white guy’s lives matter. You better get out of California. You sound really unhappy. Go live in Alabama.

verifiedsane

Are you still in Jr. High School? Your parents really need to monitor your internet usage…LMAO

rejectrepublicanlies

No, I’m an adult and you’re a man child. If you met me, you wouldn’t be such a smart alec. When you came to, I’d dump you on the curb. Go pick on some kids and women. Sounds like your speed, champ.

rejectrepublicanlies

I’m sure this “cop” has multiple complaints for police brutality, excessive force and profiling. He looks like a skinhead. Who was that old methed out biker standing around? The police didn’t cuff him. How do they know he wasn’t involved?

Robert Unetic

Hey, he didn’t fire at them. And the shot had the effect of shining the light on cockroaches in the night. Those tough guys that intervened fled. They made the whole thing look more like a gang working together to free one of there own. When the police arrived and the detained boy was not beaten. If everyone just stayed put until of officers arrived we would have had a different scenario.

Dana Swart

Sure, but where is the kids right to defend himself? You talk as if the cop is just protecting himself, but what he is actually doing is assaulting the kid first. Since that is the start of the altercation, the kids are the ones defending themselves and as you state have every right to do so. The pulling and firing of the weapon is an over the top reaction to the situation which would have been better resolved by him letting go instead. Letting the kid go, resolves the immediate threat and the resulting actions of the kids friends.

verifiedsane

You are merely speculating that if he released hold of the teen, the situation would not of escalated further. Considering the situation and others participating, that is not necessarily a predetermined outcome. you seem to ignore that the teens were trespassing onto private property; that in itself changes the complete dynamic of the situation.

Dana Swart

First, California Penal Code Section 602 — defines “trespass” as entry onto
the property of another without permission or a right to do so. However,
“criminal trespass” involves more than mere unauthorized entry onto the
property of another. It also requires specific intent to interfere with, or to damage, the owner’s property right or the property itself; and actual interference with or actual damage to the property.

So it would appear that it’s not trespassing, I doubt this person has a sign posted on his home nor does it appear his lawn is fenced off. Kids walking across your lawn is not a trespass nor is it something that a gun should be pulled and discharged.

Kim Riddell

He needs a fence, not a gun.

rejectrepublicanlies

He didn’t have to confront the teen at all, Verified. You miss the point, genius.

Robert Unetic

And if you don’t confront them, the problem continues. Obviously it bothered him. What gets me is of the kid’s step-father works for the PD why not just sit and wait for the cops to show and make his own complaint when the officers arrived or ask to speak to his step-father. I can tell you why he didn’t. He knew he was in the wrong.

Taino

Trespassing private property does not give the property owner the right to use a weapon and fire it. This is not the wild west. He should have call the APD. Yes I would be angry, but this off duty office lost control and that not good.

rejectrepublicanlies

Exactly. He was not in imminent danger. He escalated the entire situation and it could have led to a fatality. Also, had he killed a Hispanic or African-American child, Anaheim would be burning right now.

rejectrepublicanlies

It hasn’t stopped you. You see things that aren’t there and draw conclusions that only a racist old man would.

rejectrepublicanlies

Do you ever get tired of being wrong? YOU are speculating. You draw wild conclusions that are not supported by this video. You’re just spoiling to kill a teen, preferably of color. I can sense your racist anger and malice. You are dangerous. My hope is that you meet your demise before you harm others.

LFOldTimer

The cop wasn’t assaulting the kid. He was attempting the detain him and the kid was resisting.

Now the question is whether the cop had a legal right to forcefully detain the kid. I don’t know. I only know what I saw on the video. Do you have additional information, Dana?

The story line is that the kid was trespassing on the cop’s property. I don’t think that’s a sufficient reason to detain unless the kid was in the cop’s backyard or something. One allegation is that the kid told the cop that he was going to shoot him. Another allegation is the kid told the cop he was going to sue him. Whatever words were exchanged could have been dealt with at a later time. It’s risky business to ever physically grab a kid in year 2017.

Whatever the truth is – I would certainly never physically hold and detain a kid unless I witnessed him vandalizing my property or he committed a violent offense. And if he had 12 of his friends with him I would even think twice about that. I would get a photo of him and let the cops handle it. Chances are excellent the kid is from the neighborhood and in the school system. It would be simple to find him. The cop should have known this and not played superman off-duty.

rejectrepublicanlies

He did assault the kid. You’re an idiot. Apologist.

Dana Swart

No additional information, but if it’s not a “Criminal Trespass” there would be no legal right to detain and therefore an assault, battery and possibly kidnapping since he’s moving the kid against his will.

If/when I was a teen and some guy grabs me and pulls me anywhere, you’re darn toot’in I’m fighting back, any friends with me are fighting back, and we will resist as a group.

LFOldTimer

Even if someone with police powers had the right to detain the kid for trespass or words spoken from anger – IMO it was lame to do so. There were other options available that would have avoided creating a very hostile situation that turned ugly. If the cop had it to do over again, I suspect he would handle it in a different way.

rejectrepublicanlies

Wrong, that’s assault. It meets the legal definition. I didn’t see any battery. My hope is that this hothead, dangerous cop is eventually fired. I guarantee you he is dirty and has multiple excessive force complaints. I also think there’s a racist element to this cop’s assault. He looks like a skinhead.

LFOldTimer

In the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t matter what you think now, does it?

rejectrepublicanlies

Also, they’re KIDS!

kburgoyne

The cop does have certain rights. Actually, as an off duty officer he has slightly more based on deference to his supposedly knowing the law better than the average citizen and in regard to his being permitted to be armed in more circumstances for his own self-protection and the fact that, unlike many other gun owners, he’s known to have undergone serious gun safety training.

HOWEVER, by way of extreme example, just because somebody walks into your home does not grant you the right to shoot them dead. It’s called inappropriate use of force. Otherwise you could readily murder, completely legally, some acquaintance by simply inviting them into your home. Think your neighbor is having an affair with your wife? No problem. Invite him over for a friendly drink and gun him down in your house.

Is the officer’s situation the same? No. However the question of inappropriate use of force still remains. I’m simply “strongly suspicious” that the act of discharging the firearm should certainly be considered inappropriate to the situation. Particularly since the officer escalated by physically confronting the individuals rather than simply identifying the individuals to APD for dealing with under more controlled circumstances.

It is not to be overlooked that discharging the firearm within a populated community is NOT a trivial thing and must be taken very seriously regarding whether it was TRULY justified or could have been avoided.

Having said this, I’m making ZERO effort to defend the kids. The kids have their own actions to answer for. The two actions are NOT mutually exclusive and can be held completely answerable in parallel to each other.

LFOldTimer

The law is pretty crazy, kburgoyne.

I recall a story right here in OC. Someone caught a burglar in his garage. The burglar took off. The homeowner chased him with a gun – then shot him in the back off his property. Killed him. The homeowner was not prosecuted. Go figure.

So the old theory that if you shoot a criminal outside your home make sure you drag him inside the house – doesn’t not hold water and is certainly not advisable. It all depends on state of mind – and even that has a wide range of interpretation.

You know how the system works. It’s best to be a cop or be a close relative of a cop or have tight connections with high-ranking officials.

All others should be very careful with the way they conduct themselves.

You are an arrogant POS. You have no idea what I do for a living. Trust me, I know far more about IT, programming and the Internet than you ever will. Pour that bucket of spit over your head. You Right Wingers are so sure of things you do not know. Now, go find a safe space, a juice box and fondle your participation trophy, snowflake.

rejectrepublicanlies

That cop’s life was not in imminent danger until he created the situation. He could have easily stepped back and let the real police deal with it. His life and property were not in danger. In fact, he pulled the kid onto his property.

RyanCantor

No, the cop has extraordinary rights to protect himself and his property. He does not have the same rights that you or I have.

The officer was not acting in the capacity of a private citizen. If he were, he had absolutely no right to attempt to physically restrain an individual for what would be (at best) a misdemeanor. Only LEO has the authority to do so.

Discharging a firearm as a warning signal in an urban area is not a legitimate warning tacit, nor a legal one. It is, however, grounds for officer discipline and likely a crime.

The officer showed little to no restraint. Appropriate restraint would include– in order– staying inside, not taking a loaded weapon outside to an area with children, properly holstering said weapon, not brandishing said weapon, and not discharging said weapon.

While you are correct concerning the grievousness of both Kelly Thomas and the Santa Ana dispensary thuggery, you are not correct concerning abuse of authority. This officer demonstrated not just a disregard towards public safety– but a caviler disregard, particularly with respect towards proportional response: balancing public safety with the alleged crime being committed.

A caviler attitude towards proportional response is a substantive root cause in both the Fullerton and Santa Ana cases you cite.

Summer Myers

Bravo Bravo!!! I wish I had written this!

rejectrepublicanlies

A nice civil lawsuit will hurt Anaheim, but not the police department.

Taino

Yes, he had the right to defend himself. But he use deadly force. The group of kids just wanted him to release the boy. None of the kids had a weapon. The off duty office drag the kid to his property. Yes the kid perhaps had much to do with this issue. He is an off duty officer that should have follow procedures. He is not an Anaheim Office. I think he let his ego to go to far and lost control of the problem very fast. Its a shame. I am happy that no one got hurt.

Robert Unetic

Did you see the same video I did? The detained kid was resisting the entire time. If he really thought he was in the right and his step father is on the force why not wait calmly until the officers arrive? Did he really believe with all those witnesses the cops were going to take out their night sticks and beat him? He resisted because he knew he is an obnoxious punk who was in the wrong. The question here is where do we draw the line? When we ask juveniles stop doing something that is inappropriate do we never threaten arrest because we are too scared to be called racists if they happen to be a minority?

rejectrepublicanlies

Yeah, he was resisting, dumb shi*. How did he know he was a cop? Looks like some skinhead to me. You and Verified Insane can go burn some crosses together. You’re both soft, doughy beta males that have to play tough with 13-year-old kids.

Robert

Same answer as above. Obviously you are ignorant.

rejectrepublicanlies

Hey, Bob, go eat a bowl of dic*s. OK, snowflake? I was addressing the other Bob and you had to stick your beak in our discussion. Not getting enough attention at home?

rejectrepublicanlies

Wrong take away. It begs the question as to whether you need a new prescription or whether you’re capable of processing facts. That “cop,” wasn’t in uniform, didn’t produce a badge and didn’t identify himself. He also assaulted the juvenile and pulled him on his property. The reason he did that was to justify the homicide he nearly committed. That cop probably has multiple excessive force complaints. He also looks like a skinhead racist.

Kim Riddell

He dragged that kid to his property. He had his backpack and could have easily identified the kid. There were plenty of witnesses. Bad judgement for a cop.

rejectrepublicanlies

He wasn’t protecting himself or his property. He was not in imminent danger, Dirty Harry. I know you’re just itching to kill a minority, aren’t you? As for your estimation, it’s not worth dic*.

rejectrepublicanlies

We don’t have to spin it. We can see what occurred. Maybe you should consider an eye exam and a head shrink. You’re a very angry individual. You are probably America’s next mass shooter.

rejectrepublicanlies

School kids used to cut through my back yard to get home from school. I put up a no tress passing sign and extended the fence. When I saw the kids, I didn’t go grab them or discharge any weapon. Just asked them not to do it. Eventually, they stopped. Nothing was damaged except a few blades of grass. You’re the kind of hot head that we read about killing teens for knocking on your door. Sick POS.

rejectrepublicanlies

Only you could classify that as “restraint.” You’re the kind of guy that kills teens for playing their music too loud or cussing at you. You are a coward and a bully. My hope is that someone jacks your glass jaw.

Rossom

The officer was not on his property at first. He dragged the 13 year old to his property line and was trying to drag him over the hedge to get him to his property. Watch all the videos and the different perspectives. I would like to know how you came to the conclusion that the officer showed restraint? He was calculated in his moves, trying to show that the teenager was on his property when he fired his weapon. I understand children/teenagers sometimes don’t have respect for property, but this clearly shows that the officer was out of line. He lost his temper about children being on his grass and decided that someone was going to pay for it. If it was another adult, would he have behaved the same way. He is an adult, and an officer and he felt the need to get into an altercation and restrain a 13 year old who was clearly not being disrespectful but was trying to break free from this man who was trying to drag and detain him. The other teenagers were asking him to release their friend. The other teenager did not rush the officer until after many requests to release their friend fell on his deaf ears. If your friend was being dragged, would you not help him?

Serious Starsider

Oh when will these little piggies realize that we have camera’s everywhere and we are watching YOU!

kburgoyne

“little piggies” is non constructive.

Serious Starsider

You are right… Fat pigs is more apt.

verifiedsane

How about staying off private property, not making threats, and showing some respect? Oh that’s right, we live in the lawless entitled society where youth have no respect for the law or their fellow citizen..another damned poor excuse to gather all the idiots and thugs for a supposed race baiting protest…shameful…

Bruce Durgess

How about the officer calling the proper authorities instead of pulling a gun and shooting. What gives him the right. He should have been arrested. Instead, he was on the street and received the protection if 100 other officers.

verifiedsane

Did you watch the video?….this man was attacked on his own private property…these punks are very fortunate that he didn’t aim at those assaulting him out of self protection. Last time I checked, we still have a right as citizens to protect ourselves and property in America.

Why is it that a gang of young thugs in the commission of criminal acts always are portrayed as victims by the race provocateurs and liberal MSM. . You must have conveniently ignored the FACT that the police were called! and the thugs were arrested…

what’s next: another fake news “hands up, don’t shoot” media campaign

Robby

He was not attacked on his property. His property is three houses down from what the video shows.

LFOldTimer

How do you know he lived “three houses down”?

Robby

It was on the news. The owners of the house that was on video spoke with reporters.They are an elderly couple. Protesters vandalized their home because they believed it was the cop’s house because it was seen on the video. The cops house is in the corner of the street.

LFOldTimer

Poor neighbors. Guilty by association. They should put a sign in their front yard that reads: “It wasn’t us. We’re just 2 old people. Leave us alone”

rejectrepublicanlies

What snowflakes you are. You’re just ready to kill a minority. That’s your fantasy, right Old Timer?

Of course, everything reported by the fake MSM news is absolutely accurate, “hands up, don’t shoot”! The actual facts and truth will eventually come out!

People are jumping to irrational conclusions based upon what? Maybe we should just get a lynching mob together…I’m sure there are still a few trees left in Anaheim…

rejectrepublicanlies

Did you not watch him pull the kid into his yard? Get your eyes examined.

rejectrepublicanlies

Read, Old Timer.

rejectrepublicanlies

Watch the news and get some “facts.”

carlos

Nevertheless…. he was still attacked….lol

Becks Torres

Agreed and the lack of respect by today’s youth is disgusting. It starts in the home. However, the cop overreacted.

rejectrepublicanlies

This cop’s the degenerate and the problem, not the juvenile.

Becks Torres

So the youth was an innocent victim? Right. It’s always someone else’s fault. There are bad cops, but there are bad people, too. I don’t know if this is a bad cop, but he acted wrong and he will be dealt with accordingly.

rejectrepublicanlies

Exactly, you Right Wingers and police apologists always look the other way. This cop’s reaction, discharge of his firearm and assault show who the degenerate criminal is. He looks like a fuc*ing skinhead and acts like one, too. Pulling that kid over to his property shows his deadly intent. He was trying to set up a little shooting. He may get away with this one, but he’ll slip again and it won’t end so well. What do I care? I don’t live in Anaheim. You keep backing racist cops, OK, Toro and see how that works out.

Becks Torres

I won’t stoop and call you the names I wanted to, but your kind always plays the blame game. As I said, the cop overreacted and will be dealt with. Trust me, I know there are bad cops. My husband has been racially profiled here in Anaheim and he is not a gang member. However, if that was my kid, my first question would be why he was on someone else’s property. There is a lack of accountability and respect for property, adults and authority by many youth today. Have a great day, Mr. Reject.

rejectrepublicanlies

He wasn’t attacked at all by the 13-year-old that he was assaulting.

rejectrepublicanlies

You are spoiling for a race war, aren’t you, Verified Insane? You Trump racists are all the same–violent, paranoid and macho dicks. I don’t shoot kids that trespass on my property. Just tell them not to or call the police. Pulling them onto your property, assaulting them, and firing a shot is just criminal. He’s lucky some homies didn’t start shooting back. Racist moron and bully. Oh, you stepped on my grass. WHA!

verifiedsane

Wow, this coming from the party of IN-tolerance…grow up! You only see, what you want to see, obviously! LMAO

rejectrepublicanlies

We are intolerant. We’re intolerant of Right Wing racists, homophobes, misogynists, cop fluffers, bigots and adults that are spoiling to kill some kids. Your type is well known. Now, put your Dirty Harry fantasies in the closet.

rejectrepublicanlies

Yes, we watched the video and that’s why you’re wrong. Oh, BLM, MSM, etc. You are a total Fox, Breitbart, Infowars douche and angry racist.

rejectrepublicanlies

Yes, we watched the video, that’s why we know you’re a blistering idiot with a rage problem.

rejectrepublicanlies

Yes, we all watched the video. It’s just you’re a blistering idiot and a complete a**hole. I know your type–loud mouth racist POS with a small stick.

rejectrepublicanlies

You are morons. You watch this video and still justify this skinhead cop’s actions? He would never do that to a white kid.

Lars

@rejectrepublicanlies omg with the “skinhead” stuff, what’s your deal dude, hes just a cop that crossed the line, if that kid was any color he’d have acted the same. Why are you so obsessed with race??

rejectrepublicanlies

It’s too bad he didn’t identify himself as a cop.

rejectrepublicanlies

Funny coming from a guy with the name Lars. Get back to your day gig with Metallica.

Lars

Good one. Rejectedrepublicanlies…wtf does that even mean.. what are you trying to convey there? And Metallica rocks.

Lars

Id be glad to..Metallic f’ing rocks.

rejectrepublicanlies

They do, you do not.

rejectrepublicanlies

How about you not condoning the use of excessive force and controlling your temper? How about you acting like an adult and stop projecting your race war fantasies? How about you pull your head out of your oversized a**?